I am a contemporary Canadian landscape artist. I'm a visual story teller engaged in a mad race against time. recording disappearing pre-urbanized landscapes, as cities swallow land in fertile temperate zones. I use Elemental Texture, Luminous Colour, Symbolic Shapes and Lyrical Line and a process I have developed and call Glazed Acrylic. also see me on instagram @robinbarattaartist

Sunday, October 29, 2023

Prevailing Wind



Prevailing Wind

A steady wind acts as a sculptor, directing branches and canopy into elegant shapes.

These creations though can be fragile in the face of the hurricanes that lash this coast more frequently and stronger as the oceans warm. Each year we wonder what changes the winds will bring.

 original painting, glazed acrylic, 12x16, on cradled wooden panel, ready for hanging

$340.00

Available in March














 

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Wonderland

 



Wonderland

Along one of the city's busiest thoroughfares there are still remnants of  what was.

Most bear signs 'zoned for development, will build to suit!'

For many the the heavy equipment has already flattened the land and removed the visages of before. 

Here and there though, remnants of the earlier wonderland remain. 

Defiant, young trees reclaim what was forest and field.  

Nature is ever hopeful.  

UPDATE:

this scene is no more, the bulldozers have done their work, and a new strip mall is being built. 

original painting, 12x12, glazed acrylic, on cradled wooden panel, ready to hang, 

 $285.00





Friday, September 1, 2023

Dancing On The Edge


Dancing On The Edge

 Trees and under story growth dance on the edge of the marsh, toes dipped into the rich moist silt. The supple reeds bow and rustle their approval. Wildlings watch the show from their homes hidden from prying predatory eyes. The marsh is a nourishing safe haven.

Salt marshes on the oceans edge, are called the cradle of the sea. A huge percentage of ocean based life is born or hatched in the marsh. Inland marshes share a similar role of incubator and safe haven.

The worlds marshes, fens and swamps are some of the most misunderstood and therefore endangered habitats in the world.

Drained to farm - they provide rich soil, drained for mosquito control, drained to build on, filled in for all of the above... once gone they are not replaceable. Wetlands the world over teeter on the edge of destruction.

12x16, glazed acrylic, on cradled wooden board, ready to hang $340.





Friday, July 28, 2023

Wisdom

 


Wisdom 
Old trees have such a sense of calm, been here seen that, might be their mantra. 
Many other cultures have believed these ancients have spirits, with all of the research into tree connectedness it's easy to believe they were right. Forest bathing is proven good for the soul,
 so hug your tree today!

Wisdom 12x12 $285.




Autumn

 



Autumn
Rich abundance reflected by rich colours, remind us how lucky we are to live in a land of plenty.

12x12, $285.
Consigned to Westland Gallery
                                                                            Sold

The Road Home


The Road Home

In the not too distant past most people had a family connection to the land. 
The family farm whether it was in the care of parents, grandparents or aunts/uncles was the gathering point for families. 
I think having lost that  touch stone of tradition has created a vacuum where a lack of understanding of the importance of sustainability has grown. 
Is this ripe for development, or the source of sustenance for a hungry world?  

12x12, glazed Acrylic, on cradled wooden board, ready to hang, $285.







 

Monday, May 22, 2023

Elegant Oak

 



Spread your arms and dance with the wind. Sometimes swaying gently, other times appearing ready to leap from the ground.  Elegant partners dancing through the decades, creating their own music. 

Live Oaks are a icon for durability, centuries old they have endured much change and  hopefully will continue the dance into the future.

8x8, glazed acrylic on cradled wooden panel, ready to hang, $170.

Available in March


Monday, March 27, 2023

March Scarcely Here

 


March Scarcely Here

After a winter that hung around far too long, the first faint colours of spring are a very welcome sight. The gold of the willows and the faint blush of the maple blossoms promise warmer days and gentler weather to come.

glazed acrylic on cradled wooden panel, ready to hang, 12x24, $460.00

Available in March

Still Standing


Still Standing

The Live Oaks of the South Eastern US fascinate me and whisper to my muse paint me - paint me! and so I do. 
6x6, glazed acrylic, on cradled wooden board. ready to hang $125
Available in March